HOUSTON – Harris County employees and contracted employees will soon see a nice bump in their paychecks.
Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones proposed an increase of the minimum wage for all county employees and contracted employees, according to a media advisory released on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Briones’ office confirmed in a media release that Harris County Commissioners voted 3-1 to approve the plan.
Under the plan, all Harris County employees will now make at least $20 per hour, effective May 3, 2025. Contracted workers on county projects solicited after July 1, 2025, must be paid at least $21.65 per hour.
The minimum wage for county employees is currently $15 per hour following an increase in 2019.
“Imagine working full-time—cleaning buildings, fixing roads, helping to keep this county running—and still standing in the grocery aisle doing the math on whether you can afford eggs and formula this week,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “Our county contractors and employees deserve better. Today, we said loud and clear that in Harris County, if you put in a hard day’s work, you will have the resources to support your family. This is how we build a stronger Harris County for all.”
Harris County is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 20,000 people.
“Raising the minimum wage in this county has been a long time coming. I am proud of the direction the county is taking today—higher wages will result in better work while also providing families that need it most the ability to afford things like medical care, housing, utilities, childcare, and so many other things that many take for granted. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this effort, and I thank the Commissioners for supporting this policy today,” said Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee.
The wage increase also aims to attract and retain more skilled labor, decreasing turnover and building an experienced workforce.
“Higher wages are not just about improving individual lives; they have a ripple effect that strengthens families, businesses, and the economy as a whole,” said Linda Morales, organizing coordinator of the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. “$15 an hour was a goal 10 years ago—but it’s not enough today. We need a policy that ensures Harris County workers have a living wage!”
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